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Monday, January 18, 2010

Real photos of monks in tudong taken early 19th century

Below are some photos that I want to share with you- it is taken from the book Postcards of Old Siam. These pictures are taken around 1900 or probably slightly earlier. The photos shown times where tudong or ascetic practices of travelling barefoot. Note that the monks in the picture above only carry their essential items- their tent umbrella, water flask and basic requisites with them.

Here are some pictures of monks setting up a place with their tent umbrellas. Those days, there were not enough places to stay within kutis of the monasteries.

It is very rare to be able to come across such pictures. With pictures, it makes it easier for us to have a much clearer pictures of scenes described by Luangta Maha Boowa in his books about ascetic practices.

Yes, the practice is tough but effective- these monks were literally at the mercy of the elements and sleeping on the ground left them exposed to all kinds of dangers. And yet, they give it their all.

Postcards of Old Siam is a compilation by Bonnie Davis, an American who first went to Thailand in 1967 and was enchanted by the country. She returned to stay with her husband after his retirement. The book consists of very old pictures and postcards of Thailand about 100 years ago.

Disclaimer

Some of the contents are taken from various sources. All sources/ credit are clearly indicated to the best of my ability,most of the time with links back to the website of origin. However, some photos are taken by me during my visit there. I sincerely apologise if I have quoted any content that has copyright.